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The National
3 hours ago
- The National
Woman praises Abu Dhabi doctors after 'life-changing' prolapse surgery
A woman who underwent 'life-changing' surgery in Abu Dhabi for a severe pelvic organ prolapse has urged others to seek help if they face a similar condition. Kaitlyn Kinnaird, 35, was plagued for years with the kind of pain and discomfort that few women, particularly of her age, wish to talk about, but which afflicts many. Pelvic organ collapse is a condition where weak muscles in the pelvis can cause organs such as the vagina, uterus, bladder and rectum to sag. In extreme cases, an organ can bulge into another organ or even protrude from the body, such as was the case with Ms Kinnaird. 'There were times when I looked down on the toilet and could see my uterus coming out,' she told The National. 'Sometimes it felt like I was sitting on an orange. I couldn't run. I couldn't lift weights. And having a bowel movement was incredibly difficult.' She recently underwent surgery at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, only months after moving to the country, to restore her quality of life. It was one of the most severe cases her surgeon, Dr Seema Sheth, had seen in more than a decade of practice. The operation required the removal of the Ms Kinnaird's uterus. 'She had a total inversion of the vagina,' Dr Sheth, a urologist and pelvic floor surgeon, told The National. 'Her ligaments had become so stretched out that her uterus was no longer where it should be.' Common causes include childbirth, having a hysterectomy, doing jobs that require heavy lifting and the ageing process, with muscles losing strength as people get older. Ms Kinnaird traces the problem back to the challenging birth of her son six years ago. 'I was convinced I wanted a natural birth,' she said. 'But I was being stubborn. I had this vision of a midwife and my husband by my side, a serene birth. Instead, it was 20 people in the hospital room telling me I needed a C-section and me refusing.' After that, a severe prolapse affecting all three pelvic compartments – bladder, uterus and rectum – was diagnosed. In Canada, she was referred to a pessary clinic, a non-surgical option where a silicone device is inserted to hold organs in place. 'It helped a bit, but it was like a plaster,' she said. 'They told me I was too young for surgery and should wait until I was 60 or 70. But I couldn't live like that.' Despite her symptoms, Ms Kinnaird kept going and tried to live life to the full. She ran a marathon, did CrossFit, worked as an accountant and gave birth to her second child, a daughter, three years later. Losing hope 'I talked to friends, to older women, to my aunties,' she said. 'No one my age had gone through this. Some could relate, but no one had it this severe. I started to think this was just my life now. I hadn't even thought surgery was an option any more.' Ms Kinnaird and her family moved to Abu Dhabi in October 2024. By then, her pessary was worn out and her symptoms had worsened. She went to a general practitioner, who referred her to Dr Sheth. Ms Kinnaird arrived thinking she would be fitted for another pessary. 'Instead, Dr Seema told me this was not a pessary problem. It needed surgical correction,' she said. 'I started crying in her office. It was so validating to finally have someone hear me, believe me, and say, 'This is not normal. You deserve better.' I hadn't even thought surgery was an option any more.' Dr Sheth said surgery was essential to give Ms Kinnaird greater quality of life and ensure she did not have to live in pain for decades more. 'This is a young, healthy, active woman who was told she had to live like this for 30 years,' said Dr Sheth. 'It wasn't acceptable.' Pioneering procedure Ms Kinnaird underwent a combined robotic procedure – a sacrocolpopexy and a proctopexy – to lift and secure the vaginal and rectal organs with surgical mesh. It was the first time the team had performed the two operations together at the hospital. 'We removed the uterus, left the cervix, and attached mesh to anchor everything to a ligament on the spine,' said Dr Sheth. 'Her rectum was also secured to prevent future prolapse. The surgery was done robotically, which means smaller incisions, faster recovery, and better long-term outcomes.' Recovery and results were immediate. 'It seems crazy to say this, but it wasn't painful,' Ms Kinnaird said. 'The worst part was the gas from the laparoscopy and the catheter. I was walking the next day, reading stories with my kids, doing dishes. I had just had my uterus removed – and I felt relief almost immediately.' Helping others Ms Kinnaird hopes that by sharing her story, other women will feel empowered to speak up and seek help. 'It's obviously uncomfortable to talk about, because it's our reproductive organs. But we shouldn't be shy,' she said. 'This is common. And if it's affecting your daily life, you shouldn't just have to live with it.' Dr Sheth echoed her sentiments. 'So many women are embarrassed or think this is just a normal part of ageing,' she said. 'But you don't have to accept it. It can be fixed. And more women are coming forward because someone else they know got help.' Looking back, Ms Kinnaird said it was not a difficult decision to have surgery and let go of the hope of further pregnancies 'My husband and I knew we were done having kids,' she said. 'So it was easy to say, 'OK, I'm done with this organ, I can let it go.' But if someone's not ready for that, I understand. For them, the pessary might be the right choice.' But for her, there was no hesitation. 'For me, this surgery was absolutely life changing,' she said. 'Every day for the past eight weeks, I've felt so grateful. Dr Seema and Dr Lameese [Tabaja] gave me my life back.'
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
Southern Africa Leaders Unite to Advance Bold Health Agenda for Resilience and Equity
Ministers of Health and senior representatives from ten African Union (AU) Member States in Southern Africa issued a renewed call for collective action on health financing, climate resilience, and outbreak preparedness as they gathered in Lilongwe from 24–25 July 2025 for the 4th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (ReSCO) Meeting. The Government of Malawi hosted the meeting, which was officially opened by Hon. Khumbize Chiponda, Malawi's Minister of Health, representing the Right Honourable Vice President, Dr. Michael Biswick Usi. The meeting was convened under the theme 'One Region, One Health, One Future,' reaffirming the region's collective commitment to protecting the health of its people. ReSCO has become a vital platform for countries to align regional priorities and advance the continental health agenda, at a time when Southern Africa faces rising climate-related health threats, persistent disease outbreaks, and growing demands on frontline health systems. In his keynote address, Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), called for transformative investments to secure Africa's health future. 'Africa's health future must be shaped by African leaders, for African people,' said Dr Kaseya. 'To get there, we must ignite a revolution in health financing, one that invests in regional institutions, accelerates local manufacturing, and ensures sustainable systems that serve our communities.' Over the course of the two-day deliberations, ministers resoundingly affirmed the urgency of collective leadership and regional unity in advancing health security. Opening the meeting, Hon. Dr Esperance Luvindao, Minister of Health and Social Services of Namibia, issued a powerful call for solidarity, urging Member States to act with resolve in confronting shared public health challenges. Reinforcing this message, Hon. Dr Elijah Muchima, Minister of Health of Zambia and Chair of the Africa CDC Governing Board, reminded delegates that 'One Region, One Health, One Future' is not merely a thematic expression, it is a strategic imperative that must drive coordinated action across the continent. The Committee adopted several major outcomes that will shape the region's health trajectory. These included the appointment of Hon. Dr Douglas T. Mombeshora as Regional Champion for Climate and Health, acknowledging the urgent link between environmental factors and public health threats. Hon. Dr Luvindao was also named Regional Champion for the Lusaka Agenda on Health Financing, reinforcing the region's drive to increase domestic investment in health. Member States also approved the Southern Africa Region Annual Report and endorsed major recommendations from the 8th Ordinary and 9th Extraordinary Regional Technical Advisory Committee (ReTAC) meetings. These included practical guidance on the implementation of the Continental Immunisation Strategy (CIS) and improved community-based outbreak surveillance. The Committee further adopted Africa CDC's 'Green Book' vision, a continent-wide pact aimed at rethinking health financing, governance, and service delivery. A key highlight of the meeting was the Southern Africa ReSCO Award Ceremony, which honoured visionary leaders for their outstanding contributions to strengthening public health across the region. Dr Kaseya was recognised for his exceptional leadership at the continental level. Dr Kalumbi Shangula, former Minister of Health and Social Services of Namibia, and Hon. Sylvia T. Masebo, former Minister of Health of Zambia, were celebrated for their enduring public service and unwavering commitment to regional collaboration. Dr Lul P. Riek, Regional Director of the Southern Africa RCC, received special commendation for his instrumental role in operationalising the Southern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre and advancing regional public health coordination. These recognitions highlighted a central theme of the meeting: that real progress depends not just on frameworks and funding, but on the commitment, leadership, and unity of those entrusted with protecting the health of communities. As the meeting concluded, Member States reaffirmed their resolve to scale up implementation of the African Union's 2 Million Community Health Workers Initiative, advance the Lusaka Agenda on Health Financing, and strengthen regional public health systems. With renewed solidarity and political will, Southern African countries are poised to turn commitments into action. The outcomes of the 4th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee Meeting mark a decisive shift, from dialogue to delivery. Africa CDC calls on all stakeholders, governments, and partners to act with urgency: invest in frontline capacity, empower health workers, and build resilient systems that leave no community behind. Namibia was selected as the host of the 5th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee Meeting in 2026. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Gulf Business
4 hours ago
- Gulf Business
WHX Tech unveils its agenda for September 2025 in Dubai
WHX Tech, where digital health leaders gather to connect, collaborate and drive impact, has revealed the full agenda for its inaugural edition, which will take place from 8–10 September 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Organised by Informa and in partnership with HIMSS, WHX Tech will bring together the world's top digital health leaders, innovators, investors and policymakers to explore the future of connected, AI-enabled healthcare. Taking place across three dynamic stages – World X, Xcelerate, and Future X – the event will spotlight everything from smart hospital implementations to breakthrough biotech and startup competitions. More than 300 brands and a 200+ expert speaker line-up have been confirmed, with participants ranging from global tech giants to next-generation health entrepreneurs. The Xcelerate Startup Competition will host 40 startups competing for a $50,000 equity free prize fund and direct exposure to international VCs, family offices and corporate venture arms. Curated networking and feedback sessions will help ventures secure partnerships and commercial traction across the region. Below is a snapshot of the agenda theme happening on all three stages: World X Stage: Real-world digital health in action This stage will spotlight technologies and experts reshaping care delivery — from smart hospitals and AI-driven diagnostics to national health platforms. Day 1: Foundations of Digital Health Innovation The opening day focuses on building blocks: implementation strategies, ethical AI, interoperability, and infrastructure. Attendees will hear from healthcare leaders tackling real challenges through digital transformation. Day 2: Scaling Digital Health & AI Solutions Day two tackles the harder task — making innovation scale. From interoperability and business models to system-level execution, this track is designed to move beyond pilots and into practice. Day 3: Global Collaborations & AI-Powered Healthcare Ecosystems Healthcare's future is borderless. Day three will explore how governments, institutions, and companies are working together across markets to create interoperable, resilient healthcare networks. Xcelerate Stage: Where vision meets capital Built for founders, funders and dealmakers, Xcelerate is the launchpad for early-stage innovation and global investment. Day 1: Backing the Visionaries Explore how the next generation of healthtech unicorns are being identified and supported, with sessions featuring solo GPs, family offices, and European ecosystem builders. Day 2: Funding the Future This day unpacks investor priorities and growth strategies across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. From pilot to platform, attendees will learn where the capital is going — and why. Day 3: High-Stakes Pitch Final The week concludes with the region's largest digital health pitch competition, featuring a $50,000 prize fund and a global judging panel including Peter Jones , Vusi Thembekwayo , and Faisal Aftab . Future X Stage: Spotlighting what's next in healthcare Running across all three days, the Future X stage celebrates frontier technologies and bold ideas. With keynote presentations, startup launches and exclusive product reveals, this is where healthtech's future is previewed. Expect insight from global tech giants, emerging innovators and trailblazing thought leaders on where the next decade of healthcare is headed. Top Confirmed Speakers Across the Event Dr. Amin Al Amiri – Assistant Undersecretary of Public Health Policy and Licensing, UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) Dr. Devi Shetty – Chairman and Founder, Narayana Health Peter Jones – Entrepreneur, Investor, and Star of BBC's Dragon's Den and ABC's Shark Tank John Nosta – President, NostaLab Tatyana Kanzaveli – Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Open Health Network Joe Wicks MBE – Fitness coach, TV presenter, social media personality and author H.E. Mubaraka Mubarak Ibrahim – Acting CIO, Emirates Health Service (EHS) Mark Davies – Chief Health Officer, IBM Dr. Scott Parazynski – Physician, Inventor, and Former NASA Astronaut Laura M. Swint – Vice President, Digital Health and AI Leader, META Hub, Eli Lilly & Company Dr. Tom Mihaljevic – Chief Executive Officer and President, Cleveland Clinic Atif Al Braiki – Chief Digital and AI Officer, Dubai Health And many more… WHX Tech brings together global minds driving real progress in digital health — creating space for bold ideas, practical solutions, and meaningful connections that are designed to bring innovation to life. Click here to view the full agenda:
